The Art and Uses of Tea

The Art Uses of Tea&

Want to learn more about the properties, varieties and uses of tea? Here is what to look for.

Written by Ireland Walker | Illustration by Chloe Perline

Drinking tea has several benefits and is known for having fragrant hues, a variety of flavors and most importantly being infused with caffeine. Tea is a staple for college students to de-stress, help with sleep and heal a cold. The art of tea is found in its ability to be made multiple ways; tea can be made by heating up a mug or pitcher of water and steeping or soaking the tea bag in the warm water until the leaves, spices and herbs from the bag colors the water. The water can be heated up in a tea kettle on the stove or even in the microwave. After the tea has been steeped, you can remove the tea bag and drink as is or add milk, sugar or honey.

Here are three familiar teas that can be most useful for students, especially during the cold weather, finals week, or just a night in: :

• Chamomile Tea

• Green Tea

• Oolong Tea

Chamomile tea is one that is noncaffeinated and used to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. It can also help with menstrual pain and relaxation. The art of Chamomile tea is found in its sweet taste and relaxing properties. Chamomile tea is made with dried flowers and is more potent than others. It is often paired with honey to add something sweet to balance the drink, and milk of any kind or even a touch of vanilla can be added as well. Stay away from adding any medication to the drink, as it may give reverse effects.

Green tea is one used for healing the body and aids in weight loss and debloating. It is often green, yellow, or a brownish hue when brewed, which is where the drink gets its colorful name. Green tea can be paired with honey and sipped throughout the day in order to keep caffeine levels up, but it can make it difficult to fall asleep at the end of the day. It is best to drink in the morning, and its beauty lies in its properties and Chinese origin.

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea used for reducing stress, balancing glucose levels in the body and stimulating the digestive system. The art of Oolong tea is rooted in its ability to boost metabolism and its concentration of antioxidants that move along food. Oolong tea can bring very light flavors or even a vegetable-like taste. People tend to drink it without additives to prevent any extra thickening or sweetness, so leaving out milk of all kinds is suggested.

Tea does not always have to be used for the purpose of healing, as it can also be used for its natural flavors, its ability to be enjoyed warm or chilled and its variety of combinations with extra flavors and thicknesses. Whether you are looking for something to drink before bed or want to drink tea for health reasons, the art of tea is very expansive and versatile.

Where to Buy Tea:

Tea can be purchased at small markets, large grocery stores, at fast food chains and several restaurants. Most stores sell brands like Tazo, Lipton and Yogi, which are sold in individual bags and are meant to be brewed at home. There are also pre-packaged brands of tea sold in stores. This includes Honest Tea, Pure Leaf, Snapple and Gold Peak to name a few, but those are often filled with additives and sugar for sweetness.

As previously stated above, most fast food places offer tea at their restaurants, usually sweetened with sugar or unsweetened. To name a few: • McDonald’s uses a blend of orange pekoe black tea. • Wendy’s uses green tea. • Taco Bell uses Lipton tea. • Tim Hortons uses black tea.

Tea is not a replacement for any pharmaceutical medication or remedies for health issues.